Triumph Rocket III Touring Review 2012

Triumph Rocket III Touring Review is a true mile eating custom tourer blessed with unique character and that 2.3 litre motor. This iconic engine has been retuned for effortless low down torque. Coupled with high levels of comfort for rider and pillion with sumptuous seats, detachable screen and front and rear footboards this bike is designed for the job in hand. Mile after mile.

Triumph Rocket III Touring

The new Triumph Rocket III Touring Roadster has put that right, repositioning the rider and the bike itself.
The seat shifts you forwards half an inch, up by slightly less, while the footrests are nearly five inches farther back and an inch lower. The result is a much more sporting, almost aggressive stance matched by more power (up 9bhp to 146bhp) and torque (up 14 per cent to 163lb ft) – as if the Rocket 3 needed either.
The extra thrust comes from a more efficient twin silencer exhaust system, while other changes include softer but better-damped rear suspension, ABS brakes as standard, an improved gearchange and a bit more information on the dash.
The point of all this is to set the Rocket 3 up against high-performance street rods such as the Harley V,Rod and Yamaha V,Max rather than traditional Harleys. And like the riding position, it’s a more comfortable place to be: the Rocket 3 Roadster is a seriously rapid motorcycle.

Triumph Rocket III Touring

The huge torque helps it shrug off its mass, the huge 240mm rear rubber offers plenty of grip while accidental wheelies are almost impossible. In short, it’s very easy to go very fast and very satisfying too. You won’t do more than 120mph as it’s electronically restricted, but you’d need gorilla arms to stay put beyond that speed anyway.
While the enormous rear tyre aids grip and style, it doesn’t help the bike’s steering much. At lower speeds it is imprecise and to some extent tips into turns a little too far once you persuade it to change direction (which takes some effort), so urban manoeuvres aren’t as smooth as they could be.

Triumph Rocket III Touring

Even so, the engine is chocolate smooth while the new riding position gives you a better sense of control and the throttle response is benign. The 5.3-gallon (24-litre) tank is big for a motorcycle but then so is the engine and the thirst, which can easily dip below 30mpg, so you’ll be looking for fuel by 120 miles.
I’m a fan of ABS on this kind of bike, especially as there’s less feedback from brakes or suspension than with sportier machines, so it’s easier to lock up a wheel inadvertently. And the Rocket 3’s set-up works well even on bumpy surfaces.
The dynamics, though, are secondary to the outright performance and the whole mien of the machine. This is a street rod rather than the street fighter Triumph is calling it.
It sounds magnificent, goes like stink, feels refined and is beautifully made, too. It’s hardly a bike for everyone, but for those who like this kind of machine, there’s nothing better

Triumph Rocket III Touring

Triumph Rocket III Touring

The Triumph Rocket III Touring chassis has been developed specifically to offer a nimble ride, which is helped by the bike’s low center of gravity, 16″ wheels, and 180 section rear tire. The finely tuned suspension has been developed with comfort and control in mind, while practicality is enhanced with the standard fitment of a quick-release screen and 36-liter saddlebags.